Return Of An Orator !

S.A.S.

They say one of the functions of a political speech is to "stir the heart". Omar Abdullah's captivating speech in the House of Parliamentdid did stir many a heart. The speech has won him many admirers and even the UNPA chairperson, and many veteran parliamentarians, were awe-struck by his speech.

Good speakers make good leaders. The orator-politician can put his point across vigorously and sometimes his misdemenours are overshadowed by his oratory skills. Having been given an opportunity, he was desperately waiting for, Omar Abdullah made good use of it and became one of the star speakers during the debate on the trust motion in Parliament. Unlike his counterpart, Mehbooba Mufti, who looked quite perplexed, Omar made best use of the time alloted to him and didn't get distracted by the noise and constant interruptions.

Speaking is an art and not all politicians are fortunate to have been bestowed with this skill. Throughout history, oratory skills have repeatedly proved to the decisive factor that turns the tide of public opinion. There are very few masters of rhetoric who are able to speak in a way that inspires the listeners to greatness. After listening to Omar's thunderous speech in Parliament, i must admit that he truly has mastered the art of rhetoric.

I never doubted his speaking credentials. I have heard him speak in public gatherings, but this was a real big occasion and he certainly did justice to it.

"There are two fundamentally different kinds of speakers: those whouse reasoning, and those who speak from the heart," writes Dr. Joseph Goebbels, Adolf Hitler's media advisor. "They reach two differentsorts of people, those who understand through reason, and those whounderstand through the heart. Speakers who aim for the reason aregenerally found in parliaments, those who speak from the heart speakto the people." Let me say, Omar is one of those "rare"orator-politicians who has both the qualities. They don't make them like this anymore.

Omar's speech attracted mixed reactions from the netizens. The video of his speech posted on YouTube website has already got more than 10,000 hits. A clear indication of how people have been bowled over by the 12-minute speech of National Conference (NC) president. Netizens are pouring out their comments praising NC president's speech and his oratory skills.

All said and done. I am not judging his speech by the content, but the manner he spoke. I wonder how many of our leaders have (or would have) spoken with such vigour and audacity in "the highest institution of democracy". After listening to his speech, many may have been reminded of his grandfather, who with the gift of exceptional oratory skills was able to mobalise the masses. His extraordinary oratory skills were appreciated by his friends and foes alike.

I don't subscribe to the notion of cricising someone for the heck of it. It is a chronic disease which has caught up all and sundry in our state. Differences apart, we should at least have some courtesy to appreciate. If we are not courteous enough to appreciate then we have no right to criticise either.